In a resolute move to combat air pollution, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has directed the CEAT Tyres factory in Bhandup to suspend its operations temporarily due to violations of environmental regulations. MPCB has further ordered relevant agencies to disconnect water and power supply to the company, underlining the seriousness of the matter.
In addition to the suspension order, the company’s bank guarantee of ₹25 lakh has been seized. MPCB’s joint director (air), V M Motghare, has officially confirmed this decisive action.
This recent enforcement follows MPCB’s previous directives, including instructing Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) and Tata Power Co Ltd (TPCL) to reduce their production by 50%. The board has also issued stringent guidelines to Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilisers Limited (RCF) in Chembur and has closed down two ready mix concrete (RMC) plants within the city.
Motghare explained, “We have consistently communicated with the company regarding their environmental noncompliance. Despite these efforts, we uncovered issues related to the handling of waste by the company. Air Quality Monitoring (AQI) vans were deployed around the company’s premises, detecting emissions of black particles. Consequently, the shutdown order was issued on Thursday.”
He added, “Our team has visited approximately 63 RMC plants and other small establishments, identifying irregularities that will result in further actions.”
As of Friday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the city was at a moderate level, thanks to favorable wind speeds.
Motghare also highlighted that “to mitigate air pollution, MPCB has empowered all local bodies under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to take action against establishments violating air pollution guidelines.”
Meanwhile, Tata Power issued a press statement on Friday, indicating their commitment to controlling pollution levels in the city. They mentioned that MPCB had requested them to explore the feasibility of reducing particulate matter emissions, which they are willing to work on jointly with the board.
Tata Power noted that they had proactively adopted flue gas desulfurization (FGD) technology in 1988, well before regulatory mandates, and highlighted several measures they have undertaken to minimize emissions, including the use of cleaner imported coal, electrostatic precipitators (ESPs), low NOx burners, rain guns, mist water sprinklers at the coal unloading point, state-of-the-art screw unloader systems to prevent coal spillage, extensive green cover maintenance, and continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS) on all stacks.
This decisive action taken by MPCB reflects the growing urgency to combat air pollution and enforce environmental regulations in the region.
